R360 Recruits Face Decade-Long Ban from NRL

The NRL's governing body has announced that athletes who join the “counterfeit” R360 will be banned for a decade.

The new league, scheduled to begin in 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed playing schedule.

Top NRL stars have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will involve six or eight men's clubs and women's teams operating from major cities around the world.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing R360.

Eight major union teams, among them Australia, last week announced a prohibition on players joining R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We heard our teams and we've responded strongly,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chief V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist organizations that attempt to hijack our code for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the advancement of athletes. They only leverage the hard work of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

The league is launched by retired international Mike Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

After the prospective rugby union prohibitions were revealed earlier, it said: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is designed with tailored timetables for male and female sides and the organization will release all players for test matches, as written into their contracts.”

R360 will seek approval for its plans from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in 2026.